The first article offers a focused use of anecdote, using a personal story to prove a point. Sensory language and appeals to emotion are also part of the writer's technique here.

Also in the first article, the writer offers a formal and visual use of irony (which, in this case is also a use of example) by putting text message language into the title - "I h8 txt msgs".

We can contrast these two articles by looking at the tone/voice each writer uses, with the first article offering a personal and conversational tone consistent with the emotional language and emotional appeals he is making and the second article presenting a more academic tone.

The techniques used in the second article are more journalistic and academic than those of the first article. Statistics are central to the writing and to the argument of the pro-text message article.

The second article offers a heavy use of quotations from a source supposed to be an authority on the subject which constitutes an appeal to authority in the language of argumentation.

I'll leave it to you to consider the effect of these techniques on the reader and only you can decide which mode of argumentation you find more convincing.

When writing about the difference between the two articles, you may want to comment on whether or not you believe this is a scientific subject or not, as this is one fundamental difference in the treatment of the topic by each writer.